Graduating from the University of Illinois in 1988 and its law school in 1991, Matt began his career in the child support division of the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office. Moving rapidly through the civil division before being named the Administrative Prosecutor, Matt handled a wide range of matters from traffic to first degree murder, post-conviction and parole board hearings, as well as serving as the State’s Attorney’s representative on numerous committees such as the initial Family Violence Coordinating Council, the Pediatric Resource Center and the Sexual Assault Advisory committee of the Center for Prevention of Abuse.

 

Upon leaving the office in January 1996, Matt took a position as criminal justice policy advisor to the Illinois Senate Majority where he served as a legal counsel for three years, responsible for the analysis, redrafting and negotiation of every piece of criminal law legislation in the state.  Matt then moved on to private practice where he attained the status as partner in the Peoria law firm of Johnson, Bunce & Noble, P.C. while being primarily engaged on behalf of the legislative practice for several prestigious Chicago law firms.  During that time, one of his principle clients was the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. 

 

Matt accepted a full-time position with the Agency in February 2009, eventually being named Associate Director, with responsibility for Continuing Legal Education, Government Affairs, FOIA compliance officer and external communications via the Agency’s website.  Matt is the designated Prosecutor Coordinator for the State of Illinois and is a member of the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators.  In that role, Matt has worked to upgrade the existing CLE programs (our Basic, Advanced and Capital Litigation Trial Ad programs) through updated materials, equipment and facilities.  In addition, the Matt is responsible for developing or collaborating on several new training opportunities for Illinois, including:

•      “Ethics: The Movie”
•       NDAA’s Technology Augmented Trial Ad short course
•      Justice Robert Steigmann’s popular “Hot Tips” Evidence program
•      Domestic violence/sexual assault training under the ARREST grant
•      “Acts of Persuasion” (a performance based training program)
•      Arson prosecution trial ad program’s in conjunction with the Illinois State Fire Marshall

 

When not busy at work, Matt and his wife Sandy are happiest raising their son Ben.